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Beyond the 7-Day Debate: What Genesis 1 Really Says

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Table Of Contents
  1. Beyond the 7-Day Debate: What Genesis 1 Really Says
  2. Introduction
  3. Entering the Ancient World
  4. A Radical Theological Manifesto
  5. Conclusion
  6. What Now?
  7. Want to read more?

Snapshot

Tired of the endless debates over Genesis 1? This article argues we are asking the wrong questions. Instead of viewing it as a modern science textbook, discover how placing Genesis 1 in its original ancient context transforms it from a source of conflict into a powerful theological declaration about who God is. It’s not about how God created, but that He created—and why that changes everything.

Introduction

Genesis 1 is one of the most contentious chapters in the entire Bible.  Fierce disagreements rage regarding how God created and the time it took. While some Christians read it as a literal narrative history, others see it as Hebrew poetry. This conflict is rooted in the problem of genre, yet many people do not even address this. There is a large cultural debate over the origins of the universe and humanity in which many Christians cannot keep up with all the research being produced. If Christians focus on the purpose of Genesis one in its original context, then the conversation changes, and I believe it is enriched and exposes the root of the debate. This does not mean that Christians treat the Bible as unimportant, but rather take it seriously in its original cultural context.  Christians must treat all Scripture seriously, but people debate how Genesis 1 should then be read. What does it look like to treat Genesis one seriously? 

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Entering the Ancient World

Christians, before debating the origins of the universe in modern culture wars, need to situate Genesis 1 in its ancient context. Genesis 1 is not intended to address modern scientific debates on the origins of the universe. Israel was not a scientific community but is rather addressing practical aspects of creation that surround the human experience of living and surviving.  When Genesis one was written, there were pagan creation accounts, and Genesis one created a powerful alternative to the pagan beliefs. This backdrop must be brought to light to understand the richness of Genesis 1. 

 In neighboring pagan myths, creation is often the chaotic result of conflict between multiple gods. For example, in Mesopotamian and Canaanite accounts, multiple gods create through war and conquest. In the Enuma Elish, the chief Babylonian god, Marduk, defeats Tiamat (a watery chaos monster). The gods have light that emanates from them and makes the dry land create humans. In Babylonian stories, the gods and cosmic matter exist next to one another from eternity. In Near Eastern mythology, the moon, sun, stars, and sea monsters are seen as powerful gods. Also, humans are made to do tasks that the gods themselves did not want to do. In some creation stories, humans are the offspring of the gods. This context is important to understand the purpose of Genesis 1. 

A Radical Theological Manifesto

What if the purpose of Genesis 1 is to give insights into the God who created, and not how he created? Genesis 1 reveals the character of the Creator, not the mechanics of His creation. God desires to be known, and that is what Genesis 1 is all about! God makes himself known in this ancient context. Genesis 1 is making radical claims:

  • One God: claiming that one God, Elohim, created all things. He is utterly supreme; no other gods exist, and nothing exists without him. 
  • Order from Chaos: He alone brings order from chaos, not through war, but through the power of His spoken word.
  • Creation, Not Gods: The sun, moon, and stars are not rival deities to be worshipped; they are simply lights and calendars, objects created by God and subject to Him.
  • Creator/Creature Distinction: God is the transcendent creator, and we are his creatures. He is intimately involved with His creation, yet distinct from it.
  • The Image of God: Humans are not divine offspring, nor are they slaves. They are the pinnacle of God’s creation, uniquely made in His image.
  • Purpose and Dignity: Humans are given a noble purpose: to serve as God’s stewards, to represent His rule on earth, and to live in relationship with Him.

Conclusion

It is not about how God created, but rather is showing that he did create! God is over all humans and all things are made through him. This creation was made a good creation at the hands of one all-powerful God. The true God is worthy of honor and praise as we are creatures, and he is the creator. Humans must keep in mind the creature-creator distinction. Genesis 1 is not a scientific explanation of the origins of the universe but is rather a rich and robust revealing of God’s character and attributes. 

What Now?

  • Read Genesis 1 and reflect on the character of God that is revealed. 
  • The chapter describes an orderly and “good” creation. What does this created order teach you about God’s nature?
  • Choose one attribute of God from the chapter (e.g., his orderliness, his power, his goodness) and spend time thanking him for it.

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